Polypropylene for Medical Applications
Medical parts fabricated from Quadrant’s Proteus® LSG PP HS heat-stabilized polypropylene withstand repeated steam and autoclave sterilization cycles. This is possible because the material has a deflection temperature (HDT) of over 149°C (> 300 °F) under 0,455 MPa load (66 psi). The material is highly resistant to cleaning agents, disinfectants and various solvents, making it a suitable material for surgical trays, caddies and instrument components used in various life science applications. Such parts are often difficult to produce by injection moulding, owing to their complexity and the need to use high viscosity resin.

“Uncompromised quality is key in the medical industry,” said Stefan Willing, Global Market Segment Manager, Life Science Industry, at Quadrant. “Materials with excellent cost-performance ratio are the future in a more and more sensitive medical and life science Industry. In addition, proof of biocompatibility and controls are prerequisites for sustainable material qualifications. Proteus LSG HS PP meets all these requirements.”

The material will be available as plates; the production process includes a proprietary heat-treatment phase. This increases the HDT, improves machinability and optimizes dimensional stability. The material is a highly cost-effective alternative to polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) in applications where less temperature resistance is required but resistance to repeated sterilisation cycles is still needed.

Quadrant LSG stock shapes are tested and evaluated for biocompatibility according to ISO10993. This offers the designer increased safety, approval facilitation, as well as reduced cost and time to market.

The plate is available in white and black, in thicknesses of 25.4, 38.1, and 50.8 mm (1, 1.5 and 2 inches). Standard size is, 600 x 1200 mm (24 x 48”). Quadrant has the capability to manufacture finished parts on a made to order basis. Quadrant produces machinable semi-finished parts for life science applications in a range of advanced engineering materials in addition to heat-stabilized polypropylene. These include Ketron® LSG polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Quadrant® LSG polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), Duratron® LSG polyetherimide (PEI) and Quadrant® LSG polysulfone (PSU). Products are available as rod, plate or tube. It also offers implantable grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (PE-UHMW) under the brand names Chirulen® and Extrulen™.

For more information, contact Kim Imes, Quadrant EPP, 2120 Fairmont Avenue, Reading, PA 19612, 800-366-0310/610-320-6709, Fax: 800-366-0301, E-mail: kim.imes@qplas.com, Web: www.quadrantplastics.com.